It’s a given that the vast majority of Chinese take out food is not healthy, especially if it’s fast food. Items such as sweet and sour chicken, egg rolls, crab rangoons and lo mein is what comes to mind for a good majority of the population when Chinese food is mentioned.
The majority American Chinese food is heavily battered and deep fried. Meat and carbs make up most of the meal and vegetables are served as condiments in many dishes, rather than the main focus. I remember this distinctly when I visited a fast food Chinese restaurant and I watched the server scoop around the vegetables to ensure that I received more meat in my take out container. Yikes!
American Chinese food was initially developed in the nineteenth century in order to satisfy Western taste. It was during this process that Chinese chefs developed dished such as General Tao’s chicken, Chow Mein and the fortune cookie.
So what can you do to make your Chinese restaurant outings just a bit healthier? Here are a few tips:
1. Choose items that are not covered in breading or deep fried.
There are many options that are steamed, lightly stir-fried, poached and barbecued in Chinese restaurants.
2. Light on the Sauce
The thick sauces that are found on dishes such as Sweet and Sour Chicken, General Tao’s Chicken and Sesame Chicken are laden with sugar, flour and cornstarch. Instead choose items that come in a light sauce such as hoisin or oyster sauce.
3. Load up on veggies
Choose dishes that are mostly comprised of vegetables, instead of meat. For example, choose Chicken with Vegetables as opposed to Sesame Chicken.
4. Steamed or Fried Rice?
Always choose steamed rice. A portion of fried rice can set you back approximately 400 calories, depending on how much of it you eat. (In restaurants) it is laden with oil or butter and MSG . We will share some recipes on this site so that you can make your own healthy version of fried rice.
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